In 2012, a team of divers discovered two 16th-century cannons in Spain, which was a huge innovation at the time. But no one dreamed that the ancient astronomical compass, known as the astrolabe, would be part of the discovery.

Breathtaking bays

Viveiro Estuary is located in the southern part of the Bay of Biscay in Galicia, Spain and is full of breathtaking bays and beaches. This area is particularly popular with divers and archaeologists. During their missions, they come across rare species of fish, fauna and a number of abandoned ships that lie on the seabed. Tourismo Galicia reports that in 2012 archaeologists found more than 30 sunken ships at the mouth of the river, mostly from a naval battle during the War of Independence.

In 2012, two archaeological divers discovered a pair of ship cannons dating from the 16th century. It was speculated that the cannons belonged to the San Bartolome galleon, which sank at the mouth of the river in 1597 AD. At the same time, a team of divers also discovered an astrolabe, which, like cannons, was dated to 1575 to 1622 AD.

Use astrolabe for navigation

The astrolabe is the first astronomical instrument of its kind ever found in Galicia. This is the 108th astrolabe find in the world. Astrolabe was found in the 6th century. The term astrolabe is loosely used to describe all the early scientific instruments that were used to calculate time and place. For centuries, astrolabs have been used by navigators to navigate the sea and calculate courses. The devices were aligned with both the horizon and the meridian, allowing astronomers to calculate the position of the Sun, Moon, and stars of the highest magnitude.

Top 10 best rankings of ancient astrolabe of all time

The massive bronze astrolabe, discovered at the mouth of the Viveiro River, weighs 4,92 kilograms and measures 21 centimeters in circumference. The rarity of the artifact is exacerbated by the fact that it was hand-made to order. Marine archaeologist Lopez said the astrolabe is one of the ten best-preserved on the planet. He says the device is unique because none of the 107 known astrolabees in the world combine a three-lobed ring with a harpoon-shaped alhidade. The trilobal ring forms the basis of the device and is so named because it has the shape of three fingers, which allows users to grip the moving ship more securely. Alhidada refers to a bronze rod that revolved around a circular base that was aligned with celestial objects, thus helping to show orientation and course at sea.

Now let's find the mothership!

The astronomical compass was discovered at the Viveiro I archeological site, an island east of Area Beach, where two 2012th-century cannons were found in 16. Although no wooden remains had been discovered regarding the ship carrying the cannons. Scientists believe the astrolabe may have come from a warship. The astrolabe is currently being restored and will be temporarily exhibited at the Museo do Mar in Vigo as an important part of Galicia's archaeological heritage.

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Romi Gray: My name is Orel

The story of a hen who, thanks to her liberation from cage breeding, learns about the world and human caress. If you want to lead children to love animals, this is the perfect book. Nominated for Magnesia Litera in the Discovery of the Year category. Jarda Dušek also recommended this book in his program.

Romi Gray: My name is Orel